Blog

Mercat a la Planxa, Chicago, IL Tis the season for winter in the Windy City! With so many exciting things to do in the city, it’s easy to forget that it’s -4 degrees outside. Well, not really, but it is easy to distract yourself from it. Mercat a la...

Spanish Desserts are getting an overhaul for the holidays at Mercat. When you think of Spanish desserts most people immediately go to Churros as an easy go-to. We’ve been tricked into thinking that Spanish desserts have to be a vehicle for sugar after a rich & filling meal. Not the...

With Thanksgiving happening this very week you would think we would be sharing something turkey-related or deliciously focused desserts, but I think we would be doing a disservice to you if we didn’t share one of our favorite menu items. Authentic Spanish “Coca”! It’s one of the most popular dishes in...

Chefs are prepping those paella pans! It’s that time of year again where local chefs and culinary crusaders will flex their competitive muscle for this paella smack down. Mercat a la Planxa is hosting the Fourth Annual Paella Cook Off on September 7th, 2017. The Most Valuable Paella (MVP) will...

Music festivals and brunch all summer! Chicago's been a whirlwind of entertainment with Pitchfork, the Pokemon Go Fest, and now Lollapalooza is right around the corner. Lollapalooza kicks off August by bringing in performers like Lorde, Tegan and Sara, the Killers, Wiz Khalifa, Blink-182, and Chance the Rapper. The Chicago...

Mercat a la Planxa, Chicago, IL Tasty Adventures at Farmers Markets Warm weather is palpable and here to stay as Chicago’s Farmers Markets reappear with organic honey, homemade hot chocolate and fresh fruits for the picking! We received plenty of April showers this spring, which has reaped beautiful flowers and...

Chicago is finally coming out of hibernation as spring rolls into summer. Say "Hello!" to drinks on the patio, day-long brunch affairs and outdoor festivals. One drink in particular that is a must-try is our Cafe Balsamico cocktail at Mercat. Made with a special blend of sherry, rum and cold...

Looking to visit Spain? Now is the time to book your trip! Because it’s almost time for La Tomatina Tomato Fight Festival Buñol Spain! La Tomatina is a festival held in the Valencian town of Buñol, a town located in the East of Spain. Here, participants throw tomatoes & get...

Oh my goodness…it’s here! It’s here again! It’s National Paella Day! Every year we are graced with this wonderfully special day in which we all get to indulge in this delicious, heavenly, traditional Spanish dish! Here at Mercat, we take our Paella very seriously. It originated in its modern...

Mercat a la Planxa, Chicago, IL Can you believe we are already into 2017? Here at Mercat we are getting more & more excited about opening the doors of our newly renovated space in our Main Dining Room. January was full of planning, showings & dreaming of all the...

Feliç any nou! New Year’s resolutions… we love them! The ancient Babylonians are said to have been the first people to make New Year's resolutions, some 4,000 years ago. It is said that the ancient Babylonians began the practice of making promises in the New Year in order to earn...